hay-scented fern

It is important to water the hay-scented fern frequently to keep the soil moist. Water the plant approximately once every 7–10 days, making sure to saturate the soil. During the hottest months of the summer season, you may need to water approximately every 5–7 days. It is important to ensure that the soil does not dry out completely during these months, as the hay-scented fern will not tolerate drought. Additionally, if you live in an area with very high temperatures, you may need to water even more frequently. To prevent excess evaporation of the soil, water the plants in the morning or evening and avoid saturating the leaves.

Hay-scented ferns require partial shade to full shade for optimal growth. They should receive dappled sunlight throughout the day for a total of 4-6 hours of sun a day. During the hottest parts of the day (noon to mid-afternoon), direct sunlight should be filtered, either through trees, a patio or balcony cover, or a shade cloth. Potted hay-scented ferns should only be moved outdoors gradually. The sudden change from low indoor to more intense outdoor light can be stressful and damaging, so it's best to start with an hour or 2 a day and gradually increase the amount of time the plant is exposed to outdoor sunlight over the course of a few weeks.

Hay-scented ferns (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) should be pruned once a year in late winter or early spring, just before new growth appears. Pruning should involve cutting back previous season's growth to within about 2 inches of the previous year’s growth. Too much pruning can compromise the plant's ability to photosynthesize, pollinate, and reproduce. After pruning, the plant should be fertilized using a balanced fertilizer such as a 10-10-10. Finally, it is important to keep hay-scented ferns moist throughout the growing season in order to maintain its vigor and lush foliage.